Am I being too picky, especially now?

That sounds reasonable, Bleed! I have one last question, and thanks a ton for your advice. I found two Mason grads on Linkedin who work for this company and hold the same position I'm interviewing for tomorrow. You think it's okay to contact them, ask them how they like the company, the job, any advice for the interview, etc? If someone from your school contacted you, how would you receive it?

You tell them that you appreciate the opportunity and that you have several offers on the table. Tell them you would like a week(or two if you think it will take this long to hear back from job #2) to make your decision. They should understand that. It also opens the door for negotiation as they know they're not your only option.

Exactly. Without revealing too much (since you haven't been offered the other job yet), I'd graciously explain that you need to take X amount of time to consider your options. This is very common when job hunting.

Obviously you don't EVER want to burn bridges in the job market, and it sounds like you have a solid professional relationship with your boss from your internship. Should you get offered the other position and decide to accept it, definitely explain to your boss your reasoning. I bet he'll understand. It's admirable that you don't want to break your word (you probably shouldn't have given it in this case), but you have to put yourself first. More interesting work, $8K in tuition and a security clearance make it a no-brainer.

Good luck man. Keep us posted.

That sounds reasonable, Bleed! I have one last question, and thanks a ton for your advice. I found two Mason grads on Linkedin who work for this company and hold the same position I'm interviewing for tomorrow. You think it's okay to contact them, ask them how they like the company, the job, any advice for the interview, etc? If someone from your school contacted you, how would you receive it?

I would tread lightly there. Networking is a valuable thing, especially with fellow alumni, but it's a super-competitive job market right now. They hold the same position that you are going for. You never know if they will perceive you as a threat to their personal ambitions within the company. Just my opinion.

I'd certainly like to hear what others around here think about this question.

That sounds reasonable, Bleed! I have one last question, and thanks a ton for your advice. I found two Mason grads on Linkedin who work for this company and hold the same position I'm interviewing for tomorrow. You think it's okay to contact them, ask them how they like the company, the job, any advice for the interview, etc? If someone from your school contacted you, how would you receive it?

Unless they are complete wankers (i love that word) then they should have no problem with it. You can always send them a note asking them if they'd mind giving you a little background on the position on the dl...

I admire the fact if you give your word you want to see it through but I'd bet the Co would not give you the same treatment if they have a need to cut back or something like that. When it comes down to your job I think you always have to do whats best for you because thats what the co's will do everytime. Will they give you an in writing commitment of a year to a year and a half?

Dang firstdown..........we actually agree on something! :confused: :)

Just one thing to add...........Companies, especially the big ones, don't give a crap about you! Having you "verbally commit" is just a joke! One thing in the work place that always holds true..........................If its not in writing then it never happened. So technically, you haven't committed to nothing. You've only taken care of yourself so far. You know, going to College and making a buck on the side with a very sound company.

My advice, you should continue to take care of yourself. If this little company sounds like something thats better for you; so what! Go back on your "word" and tell the bigger company, "thanks, but no thanks" and move on. They'll have another intern doing the same thing within two weeks. Besides, Whats to say that this big company won't merge with another in the coming months? Or your company does its budget only to find that they can't afford to have your department no more? I've seen both of the above happen in the short time that I've been working.

I know those things can happen to the little one too, but my point is that you just can't be loyal to a company out there no more. They aren't loyal to you. Don't be loyal to them. Only take care of yourself. Thats my advice. Congrats on graduating college and Good Luck!

Miller, the word issue was only if I accept the position. Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to tell someone I know and I'm friendly with that I'll be around that long then go back on it. Just not who I am. That company made me an offer and it's a bit lower than I was expecting. So hopefully this other company will offer me the position.

Daseal,
One thing in business, especially small businesses, is your word. Every employer, boss, supervisor mentally tracks who he can and can't trust with what they say. So I applaud you for not wanting to go back on it. I think you will find open discussion after the fact will let you feel comfortable if you sign with them and later decide to leave.
The company I am at now, my boss and I had a 3 year verbal agreement, we both lived up to that, and have been open both ways whenever life situations have changed.
Mostly just want to encourage you, and wish you luck no matter which choice you make.

Sometimes there are more important things than money. What are the perks to working at both jobs?
are you a college student? because as the main bread winner of my family, i cant think of one single thing that's more important

are you a college student? because as the main bread winner of my family, i cant think of one single thing that's more important

CLEARLY, access to the Warpath at work must be considered when considering any new position. ;)

ok, my bad